The New Tri-State Defender - February 6-12, 2020

Memphis in May Unveils 2020

Fine Arts Poster

Honoring Ghana

Original work by local Artist Carl Moore

Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Widely acclaimed Memphis artist Carl Moore was celebrated Tuesday evening at the unveiling of his Memphis in May International Festival poster honoring the Republic of Ghana in West Africa.

Moore’s acrylic-on-canvas creation was inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape and the endless, pageantry of indigenous, colorful plant life, according to the artist.

“I have never been to Ghana. So I did an extensive amount of research, quite a lot of research and sketches,” said Moore. “I had purposed in my mind to simply present Ghana in its best light.”

So many elements could have been included, such as social justice, culture, humanitarianism and history, he said.

“They send a message, but sometimes too many of those aspects all together can be

SEE GHANA ON PAGE 3

Transit needs: Listening to move forward

by Erica R. Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Monumental Baptist Church in South Memphis served as the gathering place Monday evening for the Shelby County Board of Commissioners first public transit ad hoc committee meeting.

Dozens of citizens and elected officials convened for the in-the-community session led by Commissioners Tami Sawyer and Mick Wright. The goal is to develop a streamlined proposal to provide $10 million in county funding to the Memphis Area Transit Authority.

The February 4 discussion marked the first in a series of four public meetings.

by Dena

“We’re going to work together as a community towards this effort,” Sawyer said to the 40-plus attendees. She reiterated that the committee’s goal was to get something “sound” on the table for the Shelby County budget committee to review for the spring.

Commissioners have already approved $1.5 million of the county’s capital improvement budget to be allocated to MATA. That came during their last meeting (Jan. 27); but the decision provides only a fraction of the amount MATA needs to improve infrastructure and routes.

More than a dozen potential funding sources were presented at the first ad hoc meeting. That included Shelby County

Mayor Lee Harris’ plan to charge a $145 sustainability fee for addresses with three passenger vehicles. The fee would be added to the third. Harris was not at the ad hoc meeting.

Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert, who has publicly raised questions about the effectiveness of Harris’ plan, was in attendance. She asked the commission to consider the impact the fee would have on her employees, who would have the additional task of collecting the payments.

Offering another plan for consideration was Commissioner Brandon Morrison, who presented her resolution to raise ve-

SEE MATA ON PAGE 2

Trauma,

which might mean losing a job a worker wants (and needs) to keep.

To help residents cope, Advance Memphis added a two-week trauma healing course to its six-week WorkLife Program (a “soft skills” course

SEE ADVANCE ON PAGE 3

Sonia Thomas was placed in a job by Advance Memphis. She works for National Guard Products, drilling holes in components for commercial doors. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Led by Shelby County Commissioners Tami Sawyer and Mick Wright (in the background), an ad hoc public transit committee session generated questions and concerns, along with proposed solutions.

(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

‘Politics’ of the blues surfaces at International Blues Challenge.

MATA

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

hicle registration by $20, with $14 going to MATA. The remainder of the funds would be used to hire sheriff’s deputies. Morrison said her plan would raise at least $9 million for the transit company.

“Every strong growing city ultimately needs a strong public system,” she said. “People in Shelby County need to be able to get to jobs.”

Commissioner Wright offered what he dubbed “The Wright Plan.” The proposal would allow all Shelby County Internet sales tax revenue to be earmarked for public transportation. Wright expects that at least $4.7 million could be collected from the revenue.

“I set our sights a little bit lower,” he said, noting that his plan is more than $5 million shy of the original $10 million requested from MATA. “But what this does – in my view – is that we’re raising revenue from the companies that are outside of the state of Tennessee, which is something that we’ve

been eager to do.”

Commissioner Sawyer also emphasized the need for city, county and private companies such as FedEx and Nike to come together to discuss funding.

MATA CEO Gary Rosenfeld was present at the public meeting and said in his talks with the private sector, they’ve asked what the county is willing to contribute.

“We need a dedicated ongoing source of funding to make this work,” he said. “A private company could pull out at any time. That’s why a county commitment is important.”

Transit supporters from Citizens for Better Service and Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH) were also at the meeting. One Micah organizer shared a personal story before asking the commissioners to proceed with urgency as it relates to transit.

“I am speaking as a citizen who uses public transportation,” MICAH organizer Essence C. Jackson said before detailing her experience using the transit system to get to work one Saturday. She said the usually 15-minute route

driving a car, took her three hours on the bus.

“I just want everyone to understand the urgency around this. People’s livelihoods are at stake because they rely on this transit system. Something has to be done.”

Similar sentiments were shared earlier that day, as Mayor Harris joined MICAH organizers, along with those from the Memphis Bus Riders Union, Memphis City for Independent Living, and MATA as they held a press conference recognizing Transit Equity Day. The dedicated day commemorates civil rights icon Rosa Parks’ birthday.

County leaders said Monday’s discussions are just the beginning, and ultimately the goal is to develop a sound proposal that will enhance Shelby County’s public transit system.

“We’re not here to just put the county seal on MATA,” Wright said. “We are all actually here to make a difference and that’s why we have to look into everything to see what would make a meaningful difference for the people of Shelby County.”

The next transit ad hoc meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Hickory Hill Community Center at 5:30 p.m.

class action lawsuit against nine funeral homes related to the Akilah Louise Wofford v. M. J. Edwards & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. et al., Case No. CH-14-0197 lawsuit. (the Wofford lawsuit”) To learn more about this partial settlement or to obtain a copy of the Claim Form you will need to send in to get money, please visit [www.galileeclassaction.com] or, you can call 901-859-1009 and these documents will be mailed to you. The folks entitled to get money out of this settlement are called Class Members in this Notice.

Summary of the Settlement Terms

Nine funeral homes have agreed to settle and pay Class Members $2,280,750.00 (the “Settlement Amount”) in exchange for a release and dismissal of all claims. The lawyers handling the case for Class Members are going to ask Memphis Court Chancellor Kyle to award $90,000 from the settlement funds to the nine families that helped get these funeral homes to settle because they took time out of their lives to help everyone get money for the harm caused out at Galilee. Also, the lawyers working on this case have never been paid and are going to ask the Court to pay 37.5% which equals $855,281.25 of the Settlement

Amount to them as their legal fee and are going to ask to be paid back $69,791.94 in litigation expenses. Chancellor Kyle will consider all of this and he gets to decide how much the lawyers will be paid in this case.

Chancellor Kyle will have a final hearing on this partial settlement to consider whether it’s fair and should be approved so everyone can then get paid money but there is nothing he can do to force the defendants to offer more money in settlement to you. The final hearing will take place in Chancellor Kyle’s courtroom at the Shelby County Courthouse on Adams Avenue at 1:00 p.m. on March 23, 2020. Until Chancellor Kyle decides about the lawyers’ fees and expenses, we can’t tell you exactly how much money you might get

from this settlement.

In order to get any money from this settlement, you must have buried a family member at Galilee or paid for the burial of someone at Galilee between January 1, 2011 and January 31, 2014 and you must fill out and mail in a Claim Form by June 15, 2020. However, if you have already sent in a claim form related to the earlier settlement in the Wofford case, YOU DO NOT NEED TO FILE A NEW CLAIM. You will automatically be included in this settlement as well. If you need to file a claim, You need to mail it to: CMM Settlement Solutions, P.O. Box 341316, Bartlett, Tennessee 38184.

You can hire your own lawyer and object to this settlement if you don’t like it, but you must mail your written objection to CMM Settlement Solutions by February 28, 2020. If Chancellor Kyle approves the settlement it is FINAL, you will be stuck with it and the nine settling funeral homes will be released from all liability in this case. The case against the rest of the funeral homes will continue to go forward and you might get more money from them later depending on a court’s ruling.

If you have any questions, you may call 901-8591009 or you may visit [www.galileeclassaction. com]. You can get a copy of a Claim Form on the website. If you don’t have the internet, please call 901-859-1009 and someone will help you get the forms you need to get money from this settlement.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR WRITE THE COURT, THE CLERK’S OFFICE, OR ANY DEFENDANT ABOUT THIS NOTICE OR THE SETTLEMENT. ONLY CMM SETTLEMENT SOLUTIONS HAS THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO FILE A CLAIM

Para un formulario de reclamo en Español, por favor llame al 901-859-1009 visite nuestro website (www.galileeclassaction.com).

The first of four ad hoc committee sessions on public transit gave attendees a chance to weigh in and several lined up to do so.

(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

GHANA CONTINUED FROM FRONT

overwhelming. This work is not so much a message as it is just a celebration of the aesthetic beauty of the country.

“Wonderful elements of art, industry, culture and resources make up Ghana’s unique beauty,” Moore said. “There is a message, and it’s a simple message. I want everyone to see and appreciate the vast beauty of Ghana and plan to visit.”

Moore attended the Chicago Art Institute and graduated from the Memphis College of Art with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees of Fine Art in Painting and Illustration. He has participated in over 150 solo and group exhibitions and serves on numerous boards and committees that support and promote the arts.

Additionally, he curates exhibitions for several nonprofit and alternative gallery spaces.

Moore’s work is some of the more highly visible creations in the local art community, but said he was still pleasantly surprised to be chosen for the 2020 poster creation.

“It’s always nice surprise when someone is thinking about you when you’re not actually there,” said Moore. “There are so many gifted artists here. It was both a surprise and an honor.”

Moore describes his art as a form of visual communication using simplicity and depth to express social and ethical issues, and uses color and composition to express mood, situation and ideas, and by placing people and objects in common and uncommon situations.

He explained what the prominent features in the poster mean.

“The gold, oval objects are cocoa beans. When they are opened, the dark, brown shell reveals a golden interior. The bird and flower represent the indigenous elements of exotic and unique birds and flowers found in Ghana. The monument represents freedom and justice, and of course, displaying the country’s flag on its wall.”

James L. Holt, president and CEO of Memphis in May International Festival, said, “With each year’s work created by a local artist and saluting our honored country, the Fine Arts Program is another facet of our mission to promote cultural exchange in Memphis. …

“Given the tremendous level of local excitement surrounding this year’s salute to Ghana, we expect Mr. Moore’s artwork to be one of our most popular posters yet.”

The 2020 Memphis in May Fine Arts Poster is sponsored by Farris Bobango PLC, and is available for $35, with the limited edition signed and numbered collector’s poster for $65 at 1910 Frameworks, the Official Framer of Memphis in May.

The poster will be available at the Memphis in May office at 56 S. Front Street, and online at www.memphisinmay.org, starting May 1.

MIM Festival dates

* Month-long Salute to Ghana: May 1-31, 2020

* Beale Street Music Festival: May 1-3, 2020

* World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest: May 13-16, 2020 Great American River Run: May 23, 2020.

ADVANCE CONTINUED FROM FRONT

teaching dependability, time management, communication techniques, creativity, conflict management and resume writing).

Volunteers certified in trauma healing teach the trauma segment.

“Our greatest hurdle is not a lack of jobs,” said Steve Nash, Advance Memphis founder and chief.

“The bigger issue is how fragile life is … the loss of a job, interrupted family structures, people living on someone’s couch, or the expense of raising children in two homes.”

“It’s the lack of stability.”

Nash supports Moore Tech of Memphis, a vocational and technical school underscoring $100,000 jobs for mechanics, plumbers, etc. Yet, classes don’t fill quickly given false impressions of blue collar work.

“‘College Bound’ education has been sold in Memphis, which says something to us that isn’t true for everyone,” said Nash.

“When 20-year-olds view what their parents did workwise differently, this makes it hard to help.”

Advance Memphis offers a general automotive elective to stir interest and connect workers to Moore Tech.

South Memphis warehousing services and jobs

Located at 769 Vance Ave., Advance Memphis serves 38126 residents seeking jobs and training options.

The South Memphis zone sits near FedEx Forum and the former Cleaborn Homes and Foote Homes – the city’s last public housing projects demolished in 2011 and 2017 respectively.

Nash has 20 business partners that hire (and empower) program graduates. The agency builds relationships with companies, churches and civic groups to achieve various goals.

Determined to reduce the stress of getting to work, Nash acquired buildings at 960 South Bellevue Blvd and 575 Suzette Street to provide jobs right in the neighborhood.

The 24,000 square-feet Suzette Street warehouse (in 38106) borders 38126 and was secured through a donor who bought the facility and donated it to Advance Memphis last year.

A decade earlier, Nash acquired the 9,000 square-feet Bellevue Blvd. building.

Both warehouses offer dividable space and accommodate small operations.

Warehouse clients include: Versant Supply Chain, Mahaffey Temporary Structures, Sorbent Green LLC, The Big Inch and DocoZoo (maker of Amazon’s #1 selling extension pole).

Advance Memphis averages 7 to 10 fulltime laborers at its warehouses and staffs jobs for private

companies, also. Al Blanks, Advance’s on-site supervisor, manages 45 workers at partner sites.

Jobs involve packaging, labeling, sorting, assembly or other light skills, plus construction duties.

Workers earn an average of $9 per hour in full-time temporary jobs that can lead to permanent roles.

Sonia Thomas, an Advance Memphis graduate, is employed at the Bellevue Blvd. warehouse, drilling holes in metal components for a manufacturer of commercial doors.

“I’ve worked through Advance on and off for five years,” said Thomas while operating a machine and wearing safety goggles. “I drill for this company (National Guard Products) that makes parts for doors.”

“I see ‘dignity’ in adults when bills are paid through non-traditional jobs,” said Nash.

“I see marriages, entrepreneurship and stability.”

Leasing space to budding entrepreneurs

As an additional service, Advance Memphis leases warehouse space to entrepreneurs who complete LAUNCH, a business startup course provided by the nonprofit.

LaTonya Taylor, owner of Epic Bouncing – a company offering rentable water slides and bounce houses for children’s events – leases equipment space at the Suzette

Street warehouse. Taylor is a graduate of LAUNCH coursework.

Donald Jenkins, an Advance Memphis employee, is also owner of Jenkins Lawn and Tree Removal Service. Jenkins leases space at the same warehouse and completed the entrepreneurship and financial literacy courses. His business allows him to hire residents from 38126 – the community where he was raised.

Samilia Colar, a fashion and sewing expert and LAUNCH graduate, teaches sewing at the Suzette Street warehouse.

Memphis Tilth, advocate for locally grown food and community gardens, leases Suzette Street warehouse space for special events. Tilth assisted Advance Memphis with its community garden.

Cars for people in need

A lack of transportation is a major barrier to employment.

Creative thinking led Advance to a possible solution.

The agency houses a dozen donated vehicles – three ready to sell now (at low prices) and nine awaiting repairs.

A volunteer mechanic and college student repairs the cars part time – he plans to open his own auto mechanics shop in the future.

Gateway Tire donated auto repair tools and Melrose High School Vo-Tech donated an overhead automotive lift after the school dis-

trict ended all shop classes.

Once repaired, graduates can purchase a car using Advance’s savings account matching program, which deposits two dollars for each dollar saved.

Graduate Darlene Gandy saved $1,000 from earned income – Advance Memphis matched it with $2,000.

Gandy purchased a car from the nonprofit for $3,000.

Of her $1,000 contribution, Advance is saving $500 for the next person and using $500 to purchase tools for the auto repair shop.

Partnerships, volunteers and results

According to Advance Memphis, for 2019, the nonprofit generated $856,000 in wages through partnerships and 89,850 employee work hours.

The agency reported 144 program graduates, including four GED recipients.

Advance says volunteers clocked 4,000 hours of work and their top five LAUNCH businesses earned $422,000 in revenue.

Also for 2019, warehousing revenue from outsourcing services totaled $119,100, and to commemorate its 20th anniversary, Advance held its 9th annual Arts for Jobs fundraising event, selling hundreds of art pieces and attracted 600 guests.

The event raised nearly $250,000 and drew 51 sponsors.

Support extends to staff members

An unusual perk of being an Advance Memphis employee is the chance to own a home in 38126.

The nonprofit offers a $5,000 down payment grant to qualifying employees.

One staffer purchased a home at Georgia Ave. and McKinley, taking advantage of the homeownership offer.

February ‘Share the Love’ drive for supplies

Throughout February, Advance Memphis is requesting “an investment in economic stability” by collecting donated office supplies for training classes.

Paper, binders, legal pads, safety goggles, Kleenex and other needs are on Advance’s Amazon Wish List: http://a.com/gdKczFg.

On February 22, Advance Memphis will pick-up donations arranged through Kelsey Martin, community engagement manager, or donors can deliver supplies directly.

(For information about Advance Memphis staffing services, training programs, outsourcing options or partnership opportunities, or to make a monthly or one time donation, contact (901) 207-3002 or visit https://www.facebook. com/advancememphis or www.advancememphis.org.)

Advance Memphis founder Steve Nash. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Carl Moore

by Joy Doss Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Music courses through the veins of Memphis. It is inextricably linked to our past, present and future. Central Station Hotel, one of the newest and coolest spaces in the downtown hotel sprawl, honors the remarkable nature of Memphis music and Memphians. Built atop and alongside the actual Amtrak station, the Downtown hotel is deliberate in its homage to our city first and foremost but salutes interconnected cities along the migratory line –New Orleans, Chicago and several cities in Mississippi. Each of these cities has shaped American music and American history, and in particular black music and history.

Creative Director Jim Thompson spoke with us about how this concept came to be. It started with a casual conversation with the guys at Crosstown Arts. He was to simply install speakers built by his company, Eggleston Works. However, it morphed into his oversight of the creative direction and general aesthetic of the hotel, including bringing a design he drew years ago to life. It’s now the lounge area!

I have been there several times at this point but for those who haven’t, the music theme comes together seamlessly without being campy or kitschy. It is thoughtfully executed and carefully curated, providing metropolitan vibes while simultaneously remaining 100 percent Memphis. We’re a lil bit country, a lil bit rock-n-roll, a lil bit soul-to-soul. All of which is

reflected in the look, feel and sound of Central Station Hotel. When you enter through the lobby, there is a full speaker wall that has already been the backdrop for many-a selfie. There is the record stacks in the lounge comprised of 3500 Memphis-made, connected or inspired vinyl. There is also the very sexy listening room. There are speakers in the guestrooms that allow for the option to tune in to the music being played in the lounge. Even the art selection is reflective of iconic Memphians and the city itself.

Jim explains his thinking:

“I love that we get off the airplane at Memphis airport and you hear Memphis music. That’s cool. But it’s not an encyclopedic version of the music. It’s basically the hits. How do we do it in a meaningful way that will last and doesn’t get lost in stereotypical Memphis music? We said, well we need to have DJs in here every day of the week because that gives it the flavor.” They wanted to establish the

hotel as independent from the pre-existing attractions like Beale Street. Most importantly, they wanted to celebrate all forms of Memphis music, not just one genre. “You can come in here and listen to jazz, rap, blues, punk… marching bands. You never know what you’re going to hear.”

So what informed Jim’s aesthetic?

He got an early introduction to via his father’s music store in the 70s and 80s, where they primarily sold keyboards. In fact, the turntables (pictured) are built into one of father’s old organs and it’s hands down one of

my favorite pieces in the entire place. The elder Thompson was very into gospel /church music, another Memphis staple, which was passed along to his son. Gospel of course is as much a part of Memphis music and history as any other genre. Admittedly, Jim is now into more contemporary, post-2015 Memphis music which shows in how inclusive the collection of records is as well as the rotation of DJs. Central Station is worth the visit, especially if you’re a music head. In fact, I have some friends staying there in the coming weeks! Pass by to get a slice

of Memphis’ history, revel in our present and muse about our sunsoaked future. You may learn something new. I did and I still am.

The accompanying photos showcase some of our biggest influencers, recognizing that the DJ has a voice that is as equally influential as that of our singers, songwriters and producers. Salute to the legends and the new schoolers

(For

RELIGION

CHURCH PROFILE

From a garage to a friend’s home, Agape

Christian Faith Ministries rolls on

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Rev. Myron Armstrong’s ministerial journey began 35 years ago when “God instructed me to start my church in the garage of our family home.”

“The name was to be Agape Christian Faith Ministries,” Armstrong recalled. “It was to be a ministry of Godly love and Christ-like faith. I moved forward and obeyed the Lord. Our first service was in our garage on October 28, 1985.”

Pastor Armstrong began with his wife, Lanita Armstrong, a registered nurse, his immediate family and a few other believers who embraced his vision for building a loving, God-directed congregation.

On February 7, 1988, a service was held in the Holiday Inn on Sycamore View. Five people were in attendance.

“We witnessed a powerful move of God without a big crowd,” said Rev. Armstrong.

“The Bible says, ‘Where two

“God said, ‘You build the people, and I will build the buildings.’ As the membership grew, we took the ministry outside the church walls. We began a prison ministry, outreach to families in trauma and crisis, and helped whenever we could, wherever we could.”

—

or three people are gathered in My name, there I will be in the midst.’ We witnessed this truth first-hand.”

On the following Thursday, Agape Ministries gathered at the home of one of Armstrong’s close friends. It was Bible study night; 15 people participated.

Over the next few weeks, God showed him that he was not being fully obedient and that he was allowing impatience to make decisions for him,” he said.

“In other words, the Lord wasn’t moving fast enough for my liking. When God showed me I was being disobedient,

Rev. Myron Armstrong

we moved back into our garage to hold church service. And we saw miracles of divine favor. I know it was because we submitted to the command of God.”

Carpet, chairs, ceiling fans and a podium for the “pulpit” were all donated. Slowly but surely Agape Christian Faith Ministries began to attract new members. An official church dedication was held December 4, 1988 at Watkins Chapel CME Church.

Meanwhile, services continued in the garage. Over the next several years, Agape members met faithfully. They were in support mode

when Armstrong said he experienced another divine word of direction.

“God said, ‘You build the people, and I will build the buildings.’ As the membership grew, we took the ministry outside the church walls. We began a prison ministry, outreach to families in trauma and crisis, and helped whenever we could, wherever we could.”

Today, Agape’s cadre of believers minister to the homebound and shut-ins and extend community outreach to families. They meet at a member’s home in Tipton County. Every fourth and fi fth Sunday, Agape fellowships with two other churches: Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding Ministries and True Faith Baptist Church.

“We have experienced change and loss over the years,” said Armstrong, “but Agape Ministries has withstood every test with the Lord’s help. We will always

do what God has instructed, and that is to save souls –whether we have a little or we are living in abundance.

“We will never be ashamed of the gospel. And because we trust the Lord, we know we will never be put to shame.”

First, we pray...

The Rev. Myron Armstrong founded Agape Christian Faith Ministries with his wife, Lanita Armstrong, and a handful of faithful supporters. (Courtesy photo)

Prayer and fellowship were both part of the mix as Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, 229 S. Danny Thomas Blvd., hosted its annual Super Bowl-viewing gathering. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

‘Politics’ of the blues surfaces at IBC

by Tracy Sow

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The world of blues convened in Memphis recently for the 36th International Blues Challenge (IBC) presented by the Blues Foundation. Musicians from around the world flooded the juke joints on Beale, competing for bragging rights.

But it was Bobby Rush – an 86-yearold living legend – who stole the show for some. And he did it with a brutally honest conversation about his career – how he navigated race and segregation to carve out his iconic career.

Rush, a Grammy-award winner, was the featured guest for the “Leading Your Own Career workshop, and he wasted no time getting down to some hardcore realities of the music business. At King’s Palace, before an overwhelmingly white audience, Rush explained how he chose his manager.

“I have a white manager to open doors that I cannot open for myself,” said Rush, who began his career at the height of segregation in 1951. “But I got one that was hungry enough for me to be able to send him where I needed him to go.”

Why not a big name?

“If you go with the very top manager that is no longer hungry, you can’t send him anywhere,” Rush replied.

It was quiet enough to hear a pin drop as Rush simply explained his reality.

“You have to play the politics to get ahead.”

Known for his bold on-stage performances, Rush didn’t back off from uncomfortable topics as the question and answer period opened. Some had heard stories of a Chicago performance in which Rush performed behind a curtain because white audiences wanted to hear him but not see him. One middle aged white man declared, “I am from up north, so I am not familiar with that kind of stuff.”

Rush sarcastically fired back: “Are you kidding me? That happens all over – north, south, east and west.”

Another woman asked if it mattered who preserves the blues.

“No, it does not matter who sings the blues,” he said. “But it matters that you give credit to where you got it from.”

Someone shouted the name of Stevie Ray Vaughn, a white blues guitarist, as an example.

“Yes, but Stevie Ray Vaughan credits Albert King,” replied Rush.

Rush’s candor was almost like church for Eddie Cotton, a 2015 IBC winner, who thanked Rush for keeping it real.

“I agree with you and have been telling artists the same thing for the last 20-plus years what you have to go through in this business,” said Cotton. “Maybe they will finally listen to the truth from you.”

Rush answered with admiration for Cotton and his music.

“Cotton, I have heard you do some things musically that should have been gold,” Rush said. “But you know what you gotta do – and that’s play the politics.”

One young white male seemed exhausted with all of the talk of race, fi nally asking: “Mr. Rush why do you keep emphasizing race and not just keep it on the art?”

There were audible groans before Rush calmly replied, “because I am a Black man and that is what it is for me.”

Elsewhere, at the Women in Blues event, blues diva Red Velvet shared the pain that drives blues music – first with stories and props, then with her performance.

“Red Velvet brought it home and made it real for the audience to truly experience the pain inherently in our DNA,” said local icon Ms. Zeno, the Mojo Queen. “She told the history of the blues and showed it also.

In her set, she pulled out slave shackles and a whip as she sang from the depth of her soul.

“She was so powerful that she had white people crying and feeling her every emotion,” Ms. Zeno added. “Now everybody

gets the blues. But not everybody can feel the blues that we lived as a people.”

But at the end of the day, the IBC is a competition with two main categories: group and solo/duo. Thursday was the opening day; semifinals were Friday with

the finalists competing for top honors at a showcase event at the Orpheum on Saturday.

The Memphis Blues Society was represented in the group competition by the Beverly Davis Band, including Gary Burnside of the iconic R. L. Burnside musical family; and Memphissippi Sounds in the solo/ duo category.

Memphissippi Sounds are a duo comprised of Yella P’s harmonica and Cam Kimbrough (grandson of the legendary Junior Kimbrough) on guitar. Yella P is a Shelby County Schools music teacher who began honing his skills on Beale Street before he could legally drive a car. The duo said they were blown away to see Rush in the audience enjoying their performance.

Cotton enjoyed it too.

“Those boys are the truth!” said Cotton, who was listening nearby. “That Yella P sounds like he been playing that harmonica longer than he has been living.

“It does my heart good to see young Black men carry on the tradition of blues with such superb excellence,” he said.

Each act is evaluated by a panel of three judges. In early rounds, many of the judges are members of blues societies, enthusiasts, members of Blues Foundation and artist/industry professionals.

However, the finals are judged by an elite group of industry professionals with proven track records. In the wee hours of the morning heartbreak would come for hundreds of artists. Only eight bands and eight solo/ duo acts advanced to the finals at the Orpheum.

When the Orpheum showcase was over, Horojo Trio, representing the Ottawa Blues Society, was the first place band winner. Hector Anchondo of the Blues Society of Omaha won 1st place in the solo/ duo category. Anchondo also won the Memphis Cigar Box Award. Whether those winners represent the best of the competition is in the ear of the beholder.

“I feel sorry that so many of the best performers were eliminated prior to this,” said Thomas “TC” Clay, a Handy Award-winner. “These judges will not get to judge the best to my idea.”

But Rush’s remarks stayed with people, perhaps not in the best way. Some viewed his talk as a blessing to hire white managers. Cotton praised Rush before adding some wisdom of his own. He used the superstar power of Beyoncé to drive home a point.

“Beyoncé could fire all of her management today and hire you,” he told me.

“What would be the difference if they called you to hire her? Absolutely nothing. They would call you because they want the product, not the manager.”

It set up what may be the best advice for aspiring musicians at the end of the day.

“Quality is what sells at the end of the day,” Cotton said. “It is purely about the product.”

The New Tri-State Defender, February 6 - 12, 2020, Page 6

The 2020 International Blues Challenge produced myriad images, including photographer Joshua Branning’s provocative look at Bobby Rush, a vocalist focused on her opportunity and a trombone player doing his thing. The last image by Michael Pachis features Keith Johnson, the great nephew of Muddy Waters, who leads Keith Johnson and the Big Muddy Band. They were representing the Mississippi Delta Blues Society of Indianola.

DATE: 2/6/20

STARTS: 7:00:PM

WHERE:

NOTABLE BLACK MEMPHIANS

DATE: 2/7/20

STARTS: 5:00:PM

WHERE: 680 Adams Ave. Memphis, TN 38105

DESCRIPTION:

On display February 7 - March 15

| admission $20

YOUNG COPPERSMITHS: VALENTINE SIGNET RINGS

DATE: 2/8/20

STARTS: 2:30:PM

WHERE: 374 Metal Museum Drive, Memphis, TN 38106

DESCRIPTION:

JUNIOR ARTISANS: EMBOSSED COPPER VALENTINES

DATE: 2/8/20

STARTS: 10:30:AM

WHERE: 374 Metal Museum Drive, Memphis, TN 38106

DESCRIPTION: Young metalsmiths will use polymer clay to create signet rings that can be used as wax seals. They will explore imagery and symbolism and create their own unique seal. While the rings are baking they will write letters using parchment paper and fountain pens. After the rings have set they can fold their letters and use wax to seal them, stamping them with their own seal. $15

THE POWER OF BLACK LOVE

DATE: 2/8/20

STARTS: 4:00:PM

WHERE: 1036 Firestone St. Memphis, TN

DESCRIPTION:

Men-Nefer Project proudly presents ‘The Power of Black Love.’ Keynote Speakers: Nuri Muhammad and from the number one movie on Amazon ‘Hidden Colors’ - Sister Shahrazad Ali. Saturday, February 8th @ The Kukutana African American Museum. Doors open at 4p.m. Limited seating. Purchase tickets now. For more info contact 901-364-

2160 FOUNDATIONS TO THE ENNEAGRAM WORKSHOP

DATE: 2/8/20

STARTS: 09:00:AM

WHERE: 3473 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38111

DESCRIPTION: This workshop accurately teaches the foundation of the Enneagram, bringing clarity and understanding to each Enneagram type. Attendees leave with actual exercises and tools needed to continue self-awareness and personal growth. All attendees also leave with an Enneagram workbook and

EVENT LISTINGS

The New

To

other helpful materials.

The Enneagram is often misunderstood as simply a personality test. The Enneagram shows us nine ways we get lost and nine ways we can find our true self.

The Enneagram is much more than another personality test; it explains the “why” of how we think, act, and feel.

The Enneagram invites us to deeper self-awareness as a doorway to inner and outer personal growth.

SEED LIBRARY SEED SWAP

DATE: 2/9/20

STARTS: 2:00:PM

WHERE: 3030 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111

DESCRIPTION: Get ready for the upcoming gardening season! Bring your seeds to exchange at this free seed swap program Enjoy a special presentation from Grow Local Program Coordinator Khadejah Scott on gardening tips and the importance of seed sharing.

DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND

DATE: 2/9/20

STARTS: 7:00:PM

WHERE: 60 Perkins Extended, Memphis, TN 38117

DESCRIPTION: $38 for adults and $33 for students LOW-COST

MICROCHIPPING EVENT

DATE: 2/9/20

STARTS: 12:30:PM

WHERE: 4864 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117

Get your pet microchipped at Hollywood Feed in Southaven on Sunday, February 9. Microchipping pets increases the chance of them finding their way back home if they get lost. The cost is $20 (cash only).

THIS OLD HOUSE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT

DATE: 2/10/20

STARTS: 7:00:PM

WHERE: 7151 Cherry Farms Rd.

Cordova, TN 38016

DESCRIPTION: Meet Richard Trethewey, Plumbing and Heating Expert and Ross Trethewey, Home Technology Expert. At 7:00 PM, enjoy a presentation by Richard and Ross Followed by a meet and greet. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: A onetime WKNO membership donation of $120 or $10 per month (donations can be made at: https://afg.secureallegiance.com/ wkno/Load/WknoTV.aspx)

Location: WKNO Digital Media Center 7151 Cherry Farms Road Cordova, TN 38016

CULLEN WASHINGTON JR: ARTIST TALK

DATE: 2/12/20

STARTS: 6:30:PM

WHERE: 1934 Poplar Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38104

DESCRIPTION:

The public is invited to attend an artist talk by Cullen Washington Jr. at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Hohenberg Auditorium. Washington utilizes the grid and the public square to communicate democracy, humanity and freedom of speech. He describes his collage abstract paintings as non-representational fields of activity. AN EVENING WITH KORTLAND WHALUM

DATE: 2/14/20 STARTS: 7:30:PM WHERE: 1350 Concourse Ave.

DESCRIPTION:

Unforgettable: An Evening with Kortland Whalum gives music lovers a front row seat to singer Kortland Whalum’s “tribute to the love song.” Unforgettable showcases some of the most endearing romance songs of the last century, including songs from Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and Ed Shereen, as well as Kortland’s original material. Doors at 7 pm | $10 BOOK TALK: OVERGROUND RAILROAD WITH CANDACY TAYLOR

DATE: 2/27/20 STARTS: 06:00:PM

WHERE: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103

DESCRIPTION: It took courage to be listed in the Green Book, and Overground Railroad celebrates the stories of those who put their names in the book and stood up against segregation. It shows the history of the Green Book, how we arrived at our present historical moment, and how far we still have to go when it comes to race relations in America.

Author, Candacy Taylor is an award-winning author, cultural critic and photographer with a Master’s Degree in Visual Criticism. The road is her home away from home and getting insider information about local haunts and hidden gems that never make it into travel guides is what she lives for.

BLACK HISTORY JEOPARDY

DATE: 2/27/20 STARTS: 4:00:PM WHERE: 3752 Given Ave, Memphis, TN 38122 DESCRIPTION:

Kids will have a chance to be on teams and answer questions pertaining to black history month.

CANDLE MAKING

DATE: 2/27/20

STARTS: 5:00:PM

WHERE: 5094 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117

DESCRIPTION: Come learn to make candles with the adult librarians at PopWhite! Materials are all provided and it’s completely free, although you are welcome to bring your own jar or mug to make a candle in if you would like. Walk-ins for this program are welcome but Registration guarantees we will have enough supplies for you. Due to the use of hot wax in this program, patrons must be 18 or older to participate in this program. For more information follow the Events link at www. memphislibrary.org.

I AM MEMPHIS

DATE: 2/28/20

STARTS: 5:00:PM

WHERE: 3795 Frayser-Raleigh Road Memphis, TN, 38128

DESCRIPTION: The scholars of Breath of Life Preparatory Academy will premier the Black History film, I AM MEmphis! This film will show the exciting events of Afro-Americans in Memphis Tennessee! We will also display the spectacular Black History artwork of our scholars. Be there at 5:00 to walk the red carpet. $2 per person

MAKE YOUR OWN: LEAP DAY

ORIGAMI FROG

DATE: 2/29/20 STARTS: 12:00:AM

WHERE: 374 Metal Museum Drive, Memphis, TN 38106

DESCRIPTION: Create fold formed copper frogs that actually leap! This class teaches the process of fold forming using origami patterns. Origami paper will be provided to practice on, and thin copper sheet will be used to create the final project.

$15

DESCRIPTION:

$15 | Age 15 and up* *Ages 10 – 15 may attend but must have an adult registered with them.

AKA’s BEO Chapter going ‘red’ for heart health

by Brianna A. Smith

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Traditionally the month for lovers and all things heart related, February also reminds us to take care of our hearts. It is American Heart Month, with special emphasis on learning about one’s risk for heart disease and the steps to living a heart-healthy life.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States, however, it is preventable. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has joined with the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease, with an eye toward improving the health of all women.

In Memphis, the AKA Beta Epsilon Omega

Chapter will host Heart 2 Heart AKAtivity Girl’s Night Out on National Wear Red Day (February 7) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ridgeway High School. BEO chapter members will take off their pink and wear red for the day to raise awareness of heart disease and promote lifestyle changes.

The outing will feature activities such as line dancing, jump roping and hula hooping to get hearts pumping. There will also be free CPR and holistic food demonstrations as well as health screenings.

The event is open to the public, so don’t hesitate to bring friends, family, neighbors and co-workers!

#HealTheHeartMemphis

COMMUNITY

BRIEFS & THINGS

Court Clerk candidates get debate chance on Feb. 10

A debate/meet & greet for Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk candidates is set for Breath of Life Christian Center on Feb. 10.

Presented by the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association, the bi-partisan event is scheduled for 7 p.m. The center is located at 3795 Frayser-Raleigh Rd.

Annette Peagler, Local 24 News anchor/reporter, will serve as the moderator.

The Shelby County Primary is set for March 3 in conjunction with Presidential Preference Primary.

New communications director

Named for Seeding Success

Seeding Success, a Memphis-based nonprofit that works to improve outcomes for children, has selected Lisa Williams as its new communications director.

Williams will oversee Seeding Success’ public relations outreach in its work of connecting institutions, community organizations, policies and resources to prepare youth for success.

“Williams’ deep commitment to Memphis and Shelby County, and her years of experience in communications roles at local nonprofits, make her an exceptional fit for this position,” said Mark Sturgis, executive director of Seeding Success. “Her gift for storytelling and her demonstrated investment in our community will help drive Seeding Success’ mission of supporting Memphis youth.”

Williams noted that she has dedicated her career to “supporting and amplifying the stories of transformative work being done in this community … “I look forward to the impactful work to come.”

Williams steps into the role with over a decade of nonprofit communications leadership, having spent the last four years as communications director of City Leadership, a nonprofit focused on catalyzing and supporting Memphis leaders. She has also served as marketing manager at the marketing and advertising agency Hemline, and director of marketing and public relations at Playhouse on the Square.

A theater and arts enthusiast, Williams earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and her Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Memphis.

THP seeking applications for July 2020 Trooper Cadet class

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is accepting applications for cadet class 1220, which starts in July

Applications are being accepted online (https://www.tn.gov/Careers) through Feb. 18, 11:59 p.m. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. Citizen and have a high school diploma or equivalent. No applicants with felony convictions will be considered.

Once approved by the Department of Human Resources, applicants will be notified of their qualification status via email and required to complete a survey within five days of the date of application. Agility test and interview ap-

The New

Tri-State Defender, February 6 - 12, 2020, Page 8

Blue’s City Donuts

by Brianna A. Smith

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The proven greatness of dough fried, flaky and delicious – that’s the main focus at Blue’s City Donuts. Located at 5735 Raleigh Lagrange Rd., the bakery is a new addition to the Raleigh area.

Local chef Rueal Braden is the owner of Blue’s City Donuts. State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, who represents Raleigh, recently presently him with a state proclamation acknowledging Blue’s City Donuts as the first African-American owned and operated doughnut shop in Memphis.

Braden has been cooking and baking most of his life.

“My family and friends gave me the nickname ‘hood chef’ before I received my culinary license,” Braden said. “I wanted to be taken serious for my craft and not just be known as the ‘hood chef.’ So I went to culinary school.”

While working as a sous-chef at Nike’s distribution center, Braden’s cousin bought what was previously Daylight Donuts and all of its equipment and presented Braden with the

Melrose’s first girls’ basketball team gives back

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Memphis City Schools introduced girls’ basketball into the TSSAA school athletic program in 1974. On Jan. 7 (46 years later), Melrose High School’s first girls’ basketball team returned for a well-deserved salute.

Members present for the honors were Lois Smith-Jones, Wayetta Strong-Beard, Julia Forman-Stewart, Carolyn Taylor, Rachel Palmer, Dorothy Forman-Malone and Jilda Blackmon.

On January 31, members of that first team made a return engagement to contribute to the current girls’ basketball team.

“In 1974-75, we did not have to buy any supplies; everything was paid for by the school, including socks, shoes, head bands, wrist bands and even our physicals,” said Lois Smith-Jones. “Today, it is the girls’ responsi-

opportunity to have his own doughnut shop.

And on Jan. 25, Blue’s City Donuts officially opened its doors to the public. The shop provides a variety of fresh doughnuts, pastries and sweet offerings.

“Each ingredient in our products have been carefully selected to offer the finest delectable for our customers,” said Braden. “Outside of Krispy Kreme, my doughnut shop is the only one in town with a conveyer belt, which allows the doughnuts to move seamlessly from cooking to glazing to cooling.”

Blue’s City prides itself on “outside of the box” doughnuts.

“We set ourselves apart by putting a twist on

LENS & LINES

the standard doughnut,” Braden said. “Once you have a solid doughnut, the creations and toppings can be almost endless.”

The bakery offers dozens of flavors for its signature assortments, such as coconut, strawberry crunch, Oreo, lemon-head lemon crunch, raspberry pop rocks, fruity pebble, triple chocolate cake, Chick-O Stick and strawberry cheesecake – which happens to be my favorite.

The made-from-scratch daily creative doughnuts are displayed in full view the moment you walk through the front door. The atmosphere is warm and authentic and so is the staff.

The new store is painted blue, with a table-top punctuated seating area and a large television to entertain guest. A collage of album covers featuring black artists hangs on a wall, creating a very urban and artsy vibe. Paintings of large doughnuts adorn the opposite wall, augmenting the bakery feel.

All in all, it’s a fun, delicious place with desserts the entire family will love.

It’s a must-try bakery for the Bluff City’s doughnut and sweet treat lovers.

bility to purchase many of their own items.”

So, the first girls alumni team came together to help support Coach Ciara Johnson, Coach Quartros Rhodes and the Lady Golden Wild-

cats with some of their team’s needs. “This is what it’s all about,” said SmithJones, “giving back and blessing somebody else.”

Woods won’t seek re-election to SCS board; Four others running or undecided

by Laura Faith Kebede Chalkbeat Tennessee

Kevin Woods, who has been on the Shelby County Schools board since the historic merger of city and county school systems changed the face of education in Memphis, said Monday he will not seek re-election.

This year’s election has the potential to change the majority of seats on the nine-member school board, which selected Supt. Joris Ray last April after abandoning a national search. Ray currently enjoys the support of most board members.

Chairwoman Miska Clay Bibbs told Chalkbeat last week she has not decided whether she will seek re-election, while Althea Greene, Stephanie Love, and Scott McCormick said they will run in the Aug. 6 election.

School board races for Shelby County Schools are staggered every two years, meaning about half of the board is up for election every two years. This year’s election is for districts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7, which cover most neighborhoods north of Poplar Avenue plus South Memphis and Hickory Hill.

feating Kenneth Whalum, an outspoken Memphis pastor and former school board member. Woods was board chair during the one year the districts were actually merged in 2013. The next year six suburban districts formed and split from the district. Woods is currently the Memphis market president for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

(For more information on becoming a state trooper, visit http://www.tn.gov/safety/article/ trpqualifications; call the Tennessee Department of Human Resources Applicant Services Division at 615-741-4841.)

Woods told Chalkbeat on Monday that the district has made significant progress on the issues he campaigned on, such as expanded access to pre-kindergarten, more community engagement, and more funding for school facilities.

“While there’s great work left to be done, I must also be mindful of the time commitment board members must take away from their family and jobs,” he said.

Monday was the first day candidates could start pulling petitions to earn a spot on the Aug. 6 ballot. Candidates cannot represent a political party and must gather and turn in 25 signatures from voters in their districts by April 2. School board members serve four-year terms and are paid $25,000 per year.

The county commission appointed Woods to the board in 2011 as plans for merging city and county school systems got underway. He won a 2012 election by a narrow margin, de-

Only one seat was contested the last time this group of school board members ran in 2016. Incumbent Stephanie Love, whose district includes Frayser and Raleigh, defeated Sharon Fields, then a secretary for a state-run school, with 60 percent of the vote. Bibbs, McCormick, and Woods ran unopposed. The county commission appointed Greene, a retired teacher, last February after Teresa Jones stepped down to accept a judgeship.

Candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and cannot work for the district.

Early voting for the Aug. 6 election will run from July 17 to Aug. 1.

Members of the 1974 Melrose girls basketball team present $1,000 to support the current team. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Strawberry crunch, Oreo and raspberry pop rocks are just a few of the flavors at Blue’s City Donuts owned by Rueal Braden, pictured with his fianceé Nicole Wesson. (Courtesy photo)

Brianna A. Smith

‘Honored and blessed’ Turner accepts annual Holmon Award

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For years, Johnnie R. Turner worked as hard as she could to help contribute to making sure for all people gained civil rights. She toiled selflessly for decades, helping to ensure the rights of all people, putting herself in the front lines on a consistent basis.

The Black Student Association formulated the opening ceremony for Black History On Friday night, Turner received the honor of a lifetime, literally.

She was named the 2019 recipient of the Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award for the years that she invested into the lives of other people while putting herself in harm’s way. Turner expressed her gratitude for the award, noting a few of the past recipients.

“I am up here getting recognized with the Memphis Eight (first eight students of color to enroll at the University of Memphis) and people such as Mark Stansbury,” Turner said. “It’s an honor and a privilege to receive an honor of this great magnitude.”

Turner earned her Bachelor of Sciences degree from LeMoyne-Owen College, and also earned her Master Education degree from the University of Memphis. However, Turner was denied a teaching job by Memphis schools simply due to the color of her skin, not her qualifi cations.

“I just wanted to receive the opportunity to teach and show that I can make a difference in the lives of young people”, Turner recalled. “I ended up taking the decision to court, and a week later, I ended up getting a call that I had a job.”

Turner started her activism while at

LeMoyne-Owen College, and it never left her. After college, she continued to work with groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Turner participated in sit-ins during the 1960s despite facing degradation from racist opposition and even marched with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the legendary March on Washington in 1963.

“One day I decided I wasn’t going to move from the middle of the bus,” Turner said, referring to the laws of segregation, which prevented blacks from sitting near the front of buses. “My friend told

me that the bus driver was white and that I could go to jail. I reluctantly gave up my seat on the bus and two white girls that sat in my seat giggled and laughed all the way home.” Turner decided then that she would never just take discrimination laying down, and she applied that determination to all facets of life, even in her role as the state representative of the 85th district in Tennessee. Turner served in that role from 2010-2018.

“There is still more work to be done,” Turner stated in conclusion. “Find your place and do it.”

Chair and Vice-Chair, and elect a TPB Representative for the Freight Advisory Committee (FAC).

The public is hereby given notice that this document is available for review from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday in the offices of the Memphis MPO located at 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103, or for download from the Internet at: www.memphismpo.org. The English language copies and the Spanish language summaries are also available for public review in the library systems of Shelby, Fayette, DeSoto, and Marshall counties. Written public comments will be accepted through Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or via email at Pragati.Srivastava@ memphistn.gov. The Memphis MPO Transportation Policy Board (TPB) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 20, 2020, 1:30PM, at the UT Health Science Center - Student Alumni Building, 800 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 to accept oral comments and take final action on the proposed items.

It is the policy of the Memphis MPO not to exclude, deny, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, familial or marital status, disability, medical or genetic condition, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. For any and all inquiries regarding the application of this accessibility statement and related policies, or for persons that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or at the hearing, please contact Nick Warren, at 901-636-7146 or Nick.Warren@memphistn.gov.

This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000602, Renovations for 160 North Main, 5th Floor. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www. shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid.

SEALED BID I000602 DUE DATE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 2020 @ 2:00 PM CST (SB-I000602) Renovations for 160 North Main, 5th Floor

Site Visit- Please contact Mr. Maurice Denbow at Maurice. denbow@shelbycountytn.gov or (901) 222-2400 to schedule your site-visit to survey the scope of work.

Shelby County is an equal

SEE PAGE 10

Former Tennessee State Rep. Johnnie R. Turner (center) was the 2020 recipient of the Authur S. Holmon Award at the University of Memphis. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

TIGER BASKETBALL

Tigers overcome turnovers to beat Tulane 64-62

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A few days after defeating a pesky Tulsa squad, the Memphis Tigers womens basketball team quickly went to work displacing a very solid Tulane unit, defeating the Tulane Green Wave, 64-62.

Despite being limited to seven rotation players due to the plethora of injuries – most notably leading scorer Jamirah Shutes – the Tigers put everything together in Tuesday night’s victory, the Tigers second consecutive AAC win. The Tigers are now 12-10 overall and 3-6 in the American.

Tulane, which won the first meeting down in New Orleans last month, made sure that the Tigers would not get anything easy. Memphis turned the ball over 16 times but ultimately emerged victorious in a game they had to have.

Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu paced the Tigers with 15 points and 12 rebounds. The Tigers led by as many as 11 points in the final seven minutes, but Tulane forced several turnovers down the stretch to tighten the game to two points.

Memphis guard Aerial Wilson, who finished with 9 points and 4 rebounds, missed two key free throws

In Tuesdays 64-62 win over Tulane, Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu paced the Tigers with 15 points and 12 rebounds. (Photo: Brandon Dill/University of Memphis Athletics)

with 14 seconds left, giving Tulane an opportunity to take the lead or win. But Mendjiadeu secured a key rebound down the stretch to seal the win.

“I challenged my players to get five straight stops and we couldn’t do it,” said Tigers head coach Melissa

McFerrin after the game. “We gave up two offensive rebounds down the stretch that turned into threes. But at the end of the day, we made enough plays to win.”

While the Tigers scoring attack was centered around Mendjiadeu, it was an all-around attack for Mem-

NBA ALL-STAR 2020: RISING STARS

by Terrisa C. Mark

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Lemoyne-Owen womens basketball team fought all the way to the end last Saturday (Feb. 1) in a rivalry game against Lane College – but Lane got the 53-52 win.

“It’s bittersweet because we were down at least by 12 at one point in the game,” said LOC head coach Anthony Partee. “So I’m happy we were able to fight back and stay in the game. But I’m still a bit disappointed.”

LeMoyne Owen Magicians vs. Lane College Dragons

Monday, Feb. 10 1 p.m.

Jackson, Tenn. (J.F. Lane Gymnasium)

LeMoyne-Owen was aggressive from the beginning, something Partee has called for throughout the season. Lamontazia Blair and Gabbie Morgan were in attack mode early –Morgan scored seven points to go with three rebounds; while Blair had five points and two rebounds.

But the game belonged to Lane’s Ra’keita Shelton, who had eight first-half points and a whopping eight rebounds. She finished with a double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds. Lane lead at the half, 29-24.

In the second half, The Lady Magicians battled back, but Shelton scored with less than 10 seconds to play, sealing the win.

At TSD presstime, no results were available for Wednesday’s game against regional rival Rust College. But the Lady Magicians will get their chance for redemption on Monday, Feb. 10, when LOC takes on Lane in Jackson. Tipoff is at 1 p.m.

phis that kept Tulane off guard. Freshman Madison Griggs continued her hot shooting, finishing with 12 points on 4-7 shooting from the three-point line, while junior forwards Julan McDonald and Alana Davis finished with 9 and 8 points, respectively. Overall, the Tigers shot 39 percent from the field. Tulane forward Sierra Cheatham scored 20 points on 6-9 shooting from the three-point line. Guard Arsula Clark finished with 10 points and 4 assists, while forward Krystal Freeman scored 4 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

As a team, the Lady Green Wave shot 40% from the field, which allowed them to fight back from a double-digit deficit late in the game. However, their comeback fell just short of becoming reality.

“So many of our games in this conference are like this,” McFerrin said of Tulanes late surge. “Even if you have a lead of that magnitude, there simply is nothing guaranteed. I think our seven kids are talented and they know how to share the basketball, and that helped us get the win today.” What’s next for Memphis: The Lady Tigers get the opportunity to avenge last month’s defeat at the hands of the UConn Huskies on Friday night.

GRITGRINDGRIZZ

Coming soon to a growl towel: ‘Really Memphis’

by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

Darn these young Grizz cubs. They just won’t stop coming up with reasons for Memphis to love them.

It’s not enough that Ja Morant’s freakishly great rookie season actually has made the playoffs a realistic hope.

Or that rookie head coach Taylor Jenkins – recently anointed Western Conference Coach of the Month for January – clearly has a ‘master of chemistry’ degree for making a rebuilding roster the talk of the NBA.

It wasn’t enough that they compete hard every night, playing a fast, furious and WINNING style of basketball or that Morant has the cojones to talk smack to NBA MVP James Harden.

All of that has been plenty of reason to fall in love with the scary potential of these Grizzlies. But no .... Dillon Brooks had to give us a #GRZNXTGEN quote – one almost certainly destined for a growl towel at FedExForum should the Grizz make the playoffs this season.

Much like Tony Allen’s “All Heart, Grit. Grind,” moment back in 2011, Brooks’ came after a win, in unscripted remarks to media.

Brooks and the Grizzlies had just beaten the Detroit Pistons. But with the NBA trade deadline looming, someone asked Brooks about Andre Iguodala, who opted to not participate in this reboot.

Brooks initially deferred, saying he respected that Iguodala is doing what’s right for his career. But that’s not what’s going to end up on a growl towel. The rest: “A guy that’s on our team doesn’t want to be on our team? I can’t wait ‘til we find a way to trade him so we can play him and show him what really Memphis is about.”

Yup. Dillon Brooks just went “really Memphis” on Iguodala. And it set off rockets across the internet.

Several reporters tweeted the comment. Morant retweeted it, which made it go viral. Iguodala’s former teammate, none other than Steph Curry posted an Instagram tweet of Iggy holding his finals MVP trophy, with a “shhh” emoji.

by Terrisa C. Mark Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Bruce Johnson Hall was packed on Saturday (Feb. 1) for an SIAC rivalry game between the LeMoyne-Owen Magicians and the Lane Dragons. Fans got an exciting game, but LOC got the win, 73-71.

“(Our guys) were able to feed off our home crowd,” said LOC head coach William Anderson. “That crowd was our sixth man on the floor and really helped us out tonight. We love this crowd.”

LOC got off to a strong start, but Lane’s Brandon Mason went off for 13 first half points, sending the Dragons to the lockers with a 35-28 lead at the half.

LeMoyne Owen Magicians vs. Lane College Dragons

Monday, Feb. 10 3 p.m.

Jackson, Tenn. (J.F. Lane Gymnasium)

But Tyrone Banks turned his magic on in the second half, with back-to-back shots within the first minute. Banks alongside Booker suddenly closed the scoring gap, tying the game up at 48 with 12 minutes to play.

From there, both teams put on a shooting clinic. Despite late game heroics from Lane’s Tyler Henry, who tied the game at 71 with 14 seconds to play, LeMoyne-Owen’s Jaquan Lawrence scored a buzzer beater to win it for the Magicians.

At TSD presstime, no results were available for Wednesday’s game against regional rival Rust College. But a rematch with Lane is set for Monday, Feb. 10, in Jackson. Tipoff is at 3 p.m.

Morant fired back with a photo of Kevin Durant – who won two Finals MVPs with the Warriors after Iguodala. Ouch.

As we were finishing this edition, news broke that the Grizzlies had agreed to trade Iguodala to the Miami Heat, with Justise Winslow coming to Memphis. The saga is over.

But it seems that in addition to all of the aforementioned reasons to love the Grizzlies, these young cubs feel disrespected, disregarded and overlooked – the exact underdog mentality so many Memphians proudly embrace.

That they also seem to have the talent, poise and youthful bravado to back it up makes it all the sweeter. Come April, maybe Memphis will show the world “what really Memphis is about.” You know, by holding up a towel that says “Really Memphis!”

GRIND ON!

Lee Eric Smith GritGrindGrizz

Fans will need to wait at least one more year to see Ja Morant in an All-Star Game, but a trio of young Grizzlies cubs will get a chance to shine during the Sprite Rising Stars Challenge, which pits a young “Team USA” against “Team World.” Jaren Jackson Jr. and Morant (top left and right) will represent team USA in the game, while Brandon Clarke (above left), a native of Canada, will play for “Team World.” The Rising Stars game is set for Friday, February 14. (File photos: Warren Roseborough)